When we first meet Jake in Western Heat, he promises to teach Rosy how to make a mushroom steel-cut oat risotto, and although they never get to do that, I'm sure he's made it for his family since.
Jake has a passion for cooking. He's a classically-trained Cordon Bleu chef, but perfected his skills with down to earth, refined recipes that bring out essential flavours. He can do fancy, and did as a restaurateur in New York City, but a simple recipe that can be built on is what he loves to share and cook for his family. As he said to Brady when he first arrived at West Line: "Cooking isn't some nebulous art form, it's more science really. Following the rules, breaking a few to see what happens, playing with flavours. It all boils down, no pun intended, to the basics."
Steel-cut oats are really versatile, a high source of protein, and a great alternative to rice for something savoury! Here is the base for Jake's recipe, which can have any manner of veg and other ingredients added in, not just mushrooms!
Ingredients
Eight to ten sliced mushrooms
Minced garlic to taste
1 1/2 cups steel-cut oats
3/4 cup white wine
900-mL beef broth container
1 cup water
2 tbsp salted butter
Fresh grated parmesan to taste
Fresh oregano and thyme to taste
Salt and pepper to taste
Substitutions and Additions:
Chicken or a vegetable broth instead of beef for a lighter taste.
Pecorino Romano instead of parmesan - it is made from sheep's milk, has more of a sharp taste
Add in fresh peas, diced tomato, chopped beans
Add in crumbled cooked bacon, crumbled cooked sausage, diced roasted chicken
Instructions
Saute sliced mushrooms in frying oil of choice, with minced garlic. Set aside.
Place a medium sized saucepan over medium level heat.
Add oats and toast, stirring often, until lightly browned and fragrant.
Add wine and stir until liquid is gone. Stir well! This will help bring out the creaminess when the starches release!
Add broth and water. Stir some more.
Boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, partially covered, until most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Remove lid and stir constantly until liquid is completely absorbed and oats are tender.
Stir in parmesan, herbs, and mushrooms.
Stir in butter until well-combined.
Stir in salt and pepper.
Serve immediately.
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Western Spark
RomansaA collection of prequel short stories, deleted scenes, and maybe a recipe or two, all from the West Brothers series! How did Peony first come to the ranch? What was Brett really like? Meet the people and the animals that make West Line Ranch not ju...
